Case Studies: Specialized Placement Supports.

Case Studies: Specialized Placement Supports

Case One

CLIENT: Oil and Mining Company

The Challenge:
Educational Connections was asked to assist an English-speaking family with two young children relocating from the Dominican Republic to New Caledonia. The parents expressed great concern about the impact of the move on their daughters’ academic and language development since there were no English-speaking or bilingual schools in their home town. Due to the high number of relocations the family experienced, the parents requested an academic screening for their daughter to determine her strengths and areas of concern.

The Solution:
Educational Connections conducted an academic screening to provide the family with a better understanding of their daughter’s schooling needs and progress. Given their daughter’s profile, it was important for her to be placed in a classroom setting where she would be intellectually stimulated and enriched. Based upon research and recommendations from contacts in the area, a number of strong French schools were recommended to the family. In order to prepare the children for their new French-speaking school, Educational Connections explored various summer day camps for them so that they could become familiar with the French language a few months prior to their move.

The Outcome:
The family’s move was successful! Educational Connections provided a full report outlining the findings and recommendations to the parents as well as to the new school. Educational Connections also found a French tutor in the new area to assist the children in the first few months of school. In addition to finding a good summer French camp for the children, Educational Connections found evening classes for the parents to learn French.

Case Two

CLIENT: A Food and Beverage Company

The Challenge:
For a family relocating from the Dominican Republic to Canada, Educational Connections was asked to help find an appropriate public school with (i) a special education program combined with an ESL program for their learning disabled son who only spoke Spanish.

The Solution:
In order for their son to become familiar with the English language prior to the move, Educational Connections sent over beginner English language workbooks for him to complete. After reviewing the child’s assessment and school records and discussing his learning needs with his parents, a solid public school was found that offered special education as well as English as a Second Language support near the family’s new home. In addition to the support available at the school, Educational Connections negotiated with the local school board for a part-time educational assistant to work with the child during the school year.

The Outcome:
Given the unique circumstances, the schooling transition went extremely well! The family, especially their son, was very happy with the new school and with the help of the educational assistant.